The Detroit school district achieved its highest graduation rate since 2008 last year

February 24, 2026

Detroit Public Schools Community District achieved its highest four-year graduation rate since current tracking began in 2007-08, reaching 83% in 2025 and nearly matching the statewide average of 84%. The improvement of nearly 5 percentage points from the previous year was attributed to strategies funded partly by $1. 27 billion in federal COVID relief dollars, including health hubs, wraparound services, expanded counseling, and chronic absenteeism reduction efforts that brought absence rates below pre-pandemic levels.

Who is affected

Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) students, particularly the graduating class of 2025
Students at the district's 24 high schools, with 13 schools meeting or exceeding state averages
Vulnerable student populations, including students experiencing homelessness (75% graduation rate)
Students at Detroit charter schools (24 high school charters in Detroit, plus 17 suburban charters)
School-age children living in Detroit, with approximately half attending district schools
DPSCD staff, including teachers, counselors, and administrators
Superintendent Nikolai Vitti, Board President LaTrice McClendon, and Principal LaToyia Webb of Central High School

What action is being taken

The district is tracking student performance, attendance, and behavior closely to intervene quickly when students fall behind
Schools are offering credit recovery during the school day
The district is implementing districtwide initiatives to reduce chronic absenteeism
Schools are providing community partnerships, after-school programs, and student mentoring
The district is creating health hubs, offering more counseling, and boosting wraparound services
The district is providing financial incentives for students to participate in tutoring programs and for perfect attendance
The district is expanding college and career-level courses and implementing academic intervention models for struggling students

Why it matters

This represents a significant turnaround for a district that has long experienced inequities compared to wealthier Michigan communities, particularly after the pandemic when the graduation rate dropped to 64.5% in 2021. The improvement demonstrates that targeted interventions addressing systemic issues like poverty, health problems, and homelessness can produce meaningful results when adequately funded. However, the persistent gap in college readiness scores reveals that graduating students doesn't automatically mean they're prepared for post-secondary success, highlighting the need for continued work on academic preparation. The progress is especially significant for vulnerable populations like homeless students, showing that wraparound support services can have substantial impact on educational outcomes for Detroit's most disadvantaged students.

What's next

DPSCD will launch its "High School Redesign" plan for incoming freshmen in the next school year
The redesign will introduce four-year diploma pathways, expand advising, and create more career pathway opportunities at neighborhood schools
The district may consider strengthening early warning systems for middle schoolers falling behind
The district may create more flexible schedules for students balancing work or family responsibilities
Mayor Mary Sheffield is expected to follow through on promises to improve city conditions affecting education, including better transportation options, child care, and affordable housing

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com